Here's Everything You Need to Know About Vegan Paint

Hannah Bruneman

Meghan Markle recently announced that her baby’s nursery will be painted with vegan paint.

If you’re like us, you might be scratching your head right now. What exactly is vegan paint? It’s definitely not edible, if that’s what you’re thinking.

Vegan paint is much like any other household paint but without the animal byproducts. Unbeknownst to most, standard paint contains several products sourced from animals, which would likely be disapproved by vegans.

“Most people might not realize that standard paint includes many animal products such as casein, which is the primary protein in milk; shellac, which is a resin secreted from the female lac bug; and ox gall, which comes from cows,” said Daniel Brooks, co-owner of Painting Columbus.

Yikes! In addition to the animal products, some paint companies test their paint on animals—a definite no-no in the animal-cruelty-free community.

It’s important to note that many paints are labeled eco-friendly, but that doesn’t mean they’re vegan or cruelty-free. It’s always best to check with the manufacturer to know exactly what you’re putting on your walls.

So, how does vegan paint bypass all the animal products and still look great on your wall? By switching to plant materials, of course.

“Vegan paint replaces all animal products with a natural plant-based binder, such as vegetable casein or legumin, and certify that they are cruelty-free,” said Daniel. “These substitutions allow vegan paints to serve as healthier alternatives and create less-toxic environments for your family or friends.”

Unfortunately, you might have to be a royal to buy vegan paint—or at least live in the United Kingdom. Auro Paints, used on the wall's of Meghan's nursery, is only available overseas. It is very rare to find vegan wall paint in the United States, though some paint companies like Painting Columbus do offer vegan paint options to their customers. As Meghan's influence is far-reaching, perhaps her decision to use vegan paint will put the pressure on major paint companies in the US to go vegan.